Copper adopts abandoned dog he rescued while on patrol

A police officer who found a five-month-old Yorkshire Terrier puppy dumped in a cardboard box while on duty has adopted her from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

PC John stumbled across a scared looking Penny while on patrol in a block of flats and after asking around the local residents it was clear that she had been abandoned.

She was so small that staff at the charity thought she was eight weeks old but she was actually found to be around five months old.

PC John said: “After finding Penny, I told my wife all about her and how despite all that she must’ve been through she still had the most lovely and trusting temperament.

“I felt a sense of responsibility for her, so made the decision to bring her home and make her a part of our family.”

Penny has settled in at home with John, his wife and their two dogs Toby and Charlie in South-east London.

John said: “Penny has been an absolute joy to have at home; she gets on well with Toby and Charlie, and her puppy energy makes us laugh every day. We’re so happy to have found her.”

Steve Craddock, centre manager at Battersea said: “It’s so lovely to see that Penny has been rehomed to John, who found her while he was on duty and that she’s settled right in with her new family.

“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for rescue centres to take in abandoned young dogs who are often found in unfortunate circumstances, just like Penny.

“I’d urge anyone who needs to give up a dog of any age to take them to a rescue centre; this way you’re finding the best possible solution for their health and future.”

If you’re interested in adopting a dog, or have a pet you need to bring into rescue, go to page 26-27 or visit www.battersea.org.uk